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OCLC Support

Why are some records not returned when searching using a Unique Identifier?

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Applies to
  • WorldCat Discovery
Answer

When a user submits a search in WorldCat Discovery without specifying the index, our system automatically searches across all the databases configured by the library. Depending on a library's configuration this may include WorldCat records and Central Index records.

If a search index is not specified:

  • When searching WorldCat records: the search will default to a keyword search. The keyword search will search multiple indexes, including the OCLC Control Number (no:).
  • When searching Central Index records and a single database is selected for searching: the search will default to a keyword search. The keyword search will search multiple indexes, including the OCLC Control Number (no:).
  • When searching Central Index records and more than one database is selected for searching:the search will default to a truncated keyword search. This is maintain system performance. The truncated keyword search does not include OCLC Control Number (no:) index.

Note: When searching using a UniqueID it is always recommend to specify the no: index as part of the search.

Additional information

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Page ID
57075